Union County dissolution of marriage records are the official court files that show when a marriage ended in this Florida county. These records live at the county clerk office and feed the Florida Department of Health statewide index.
People ask for these records to prove single status, to remarry, to change a name, to settle property matters, or to trace family history. The clerk keeps the full case docket and final judgment. The state office keeps a shorter certificate based on what the county sends. Both sources serve different needs and both can be requested by eligible requesters. This page shows where these records live, who can get them, and what fees apply in Union County.
What Are Union County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Union County dissolution of marriage records are the official paper and digital files created when a couple legally ends their marriage in this Florida county. Each case carries a unique case number and a case style listing both spouse names. The clerk office files the petition, tracks every court action, and stores the final judgment that ends the marriage. These records stay on file for many years based on state retention rules. Union County sits inside the 8th Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Definition And Purpose
A dissolution of marriage in Florida means the same thing as a divorce. The state uses the legal term “dissolution of marriage” in court filings and statutes. The purpose of these records is to give proof that a marriage was legally ended by a circuit court judge. Banks, courts, and government agencies ask for these records to confirm marital status. Without the final judgment or a certified copy, a person cannot show legal proof of single status for most purposes.
Types Of Records Available
Several record types exist for each dissolution case in Union County. The case index shows the names, filing date, and case number. The petition shows what the spouse asked the court to do. The final judgment shows the court’s ruling on property, children, and support. Other documents include financial affidavits, parenting plans, and settlement agreements. Each one serves a specific legal need and requesters can ask for the exact file they need.
Legal Authority Behind These Records
Florida family law gives circuit courts the power to grant dissolutions. The clerk office acts as the official record keeper under Florida statutes. These laws set the rules for filing, serving, and storing dissolution records. The clerk must keep these files for many years based on state retention rules. Court orders, motions, and judgments all flow through the clerk office for proper filing.
How To Search Union County Dissolution Records
People can search Union County dissolution records using three main methods. Each method works for different needs and different budgets. The right choice depends on how much detail you need and how quickly you need the record. Most requesters start with an online search before choosing another route.
Online Search Options
Online search tools let people look up case details from home. The Union County clerk website offers a public records search for recent cases. The Florida e-filing portal at myflcourtaccess.com shows docket entries for many cases. The Florida official records search at myfloridacounty.com shows recorded judgments. Each tool covers different time periods and case types. Use these tools first before paying for copies or driving to the clerk office.
In-Person Search At The Clerk Office
Going to the clerk office in Lake Butler gives the most options for record searches. Staff can search older files, pull microfilm records, and print certified copies on the spot. Bring a photo ID and full names of both spouses. The clerk cannot give legal advice but can help locate files. Older records from the 1950s and 1960s may require staff help because they were not always fully digitized.
Mail Request Process
Mail requests work for people who live far from Union County. Send a written request with full names, the year of filing, and the type of record needed. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for fees. The clerk will mail back plain or certified copies based on what you ask for. Allow several weeks for mail processing because staff must locate and copy each file by hand.
Required Details For A Successful Search
Strong search details reduce delays and lower costs. The clerk needs full legal names as they appear on the petition. The case number speeds up the search if you know it. The filing year or year range narrows the lookup. A copy of your own ID may be needed for certified copies. The more detail you provide, the faster the clerk can complete your request.
Union County Clerk Of Court Contact Details
The Union County Clerk of Court is the main office for all dissolution record requests in this county. The clerk serves as the official record keeper for the 8th Judicial Circuit. Below are the latest contact details from public sources. Always call before visiting to confirm hours and the type of record you need.
Office Address And Location
The Union County Clerk of Court office sits at 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, Florida 32054. The office is in the county courthouse in downtown Lake Butler. Parking is available near the building. Visitors should check in at the front desk and ask for the court records department. The courthouse is a single block from the main highway through town.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Union County Clerk of Court |
| Street Address | 55 West Main Street, Room 103 |
| City | Lake Butler, FL 32054 |
| Phone Number | 386-496-3711 |
| Clerk Name | Kellie Hendricks Rhoades, CPA |
| Circuit | 8th Judicial Circuit |
| County Website | unionclerk.com |
Phone Number And Hours
The clerk office phone number is 386-496-3711. Call this number before visiting to confirm hours and counter workflow. Standard clerk hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The office closes on state holidays. Phone lines may be busy during the lunch hour, so morning calls tend to connect faster.
Official Website And Online Portal
The clerk office runs a public website at unionclerk.com. This site lists office hours, services, fees, and contact forms. It links to the online search tools for recent records. For statewide tools, the Florida e-filing portal at myflcourtaccess.com and the Florida official records search at myfloridacounty.com are the main entry points. The Florida Courts website at flcourts.gov posts all family law forms.
Florida Statutes That Apply To Dissolution
Several Florida statutes control how dissolution of marriage works in Union County. Each statute covers a different part of the process from filing to final judgment. Reading these laws helps people know their rights and duties during a dissolution case. The clerk office follows these statutes when handling filings and record requests.
Florida Statute 61.021 Residency Rule
Florida Statute 61.021 sets the six-month residency rule. One spouse must have lived in Florida for at least six months before filing the petition. The petition must be filed in a circuit court in the county where either spouse lives. This rule stops people from filing in Florida just to get a faster divorce. Union County residents file in the local circuit court under this rule.
Florida Statute 61.052 Grounds For Dissolution
Florida Statute 61.052 lists the legal grounds for dissolution. The main ground is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. A judge can grant the dissolution when one spouse says so and the other does not object. Mental incapacity is another ground that requires proof and a waiting period. Most cases in Union County use the irretrievably broken ground.
Florida Statute 61.043 Circuit Court Filing
Florida Statute 61.043 explains that dissolution cases start in circuit court. The circuit court has full power over property, children, and support issues in the marriage. Union County belongs to the 8th Judicial Circuit. The 8th Circuit covers Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Putnam, Suwannee, and Union counties.
Florida Statute 61.019 Final Judgment Timing
Florida Statute 61.019 sets a 20-day minimum delay between filing and final judgment. This rule gives both sides time to respond, settle, or change their minds. A judge can skip this delay only for strong reasons, like emergency family issues. Most uncontested cases still go through the full 20-day wait. The clerk cannot enter a final judgment before this delay ends.
Florida Statute 61.075 Property Division
Florida Statute 61.075 sets the rules for dividing marital property and debts. The law uses equitable distribution, which means a fair split, not always an equal split. The judge looks at the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, and other factors. Separate property owned before marriage usually stays with each spouse. The final judgment lists every property and debt split.
Florida Statute 382.023 State Reporting
Florida Statute 382.023 tells county clerks how to send dissolution reports to the Florida Department of Health. This reporting is how statewide divorce statistics get updated. The state then issues a short certificate based on the county record. The certificate and the full county judgment serve different needs. The reporting happens after the final judgment is entered in the clerk office.
Types Of Dissolution Of Marriage Documents
Several document types make up a complete dissolution file in Union County. Each one plays a role in the case or in later record requests. Knowing these types helps requesters pick the right document for their needs. The clerk office stores all of these files in the case jacket.
Final Judgment Of Dissolution
The final judgment is the most asked-for document. It shows the judge’s full ruling that ends the marriage. It covers property division, child custody, child support, and alimony when those issues are part of the case. Banks, courts, and government agencies usually ask for a certified copy of this document. The final judgment has the clerk’s seal once it is signed by the judge.
Petition For Dissolution
The petition is the first paper filed in the case. It lists the names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and the names of any minor children. It asks the court to end the marriage and rule on related issues. The petition shows who filed first but does not end the marriage by itself. The clerk stamps the petition on the filing date.
Case Docket And Index
The case docket is a list of every paper filed in the case. It shows dates, document titles, and who filed each item. The case index lists the case by number and name. Both records help people see the full history of a dissolution case without pulling every single document. The docket is open to the public unless the case is sealed.
Certified Copies Vs Plain Copies
Certified copies carry the clerk’s seal and signature, which proves the copy is real. Most legal agencies only accept certified copies. Plain copies are useful for personal records or reference but lack legal weight. The clerk charges more for certified copies because of the extra work and seal. Always ask which copy type your agency needs before requesting.
Costs And Fees For Union County Records
Fees for Union County dissolution records change from time to time. The clerk sets fees under Florida law and posts them online. Below are the common fee types and what each one covers. Call the clerk office at 386-496-3711 for the latest fee schedule before sending payment.
Standard Copy Fees
Plain copies cost a set amount per page. The fee covers paper, ink, and staff time. Older records on microfilm may cost more because the clerk must run a special machine to make a copy. Plain copies cannot be used in court but work for personal records. The fee is set by state law and is the same across Florida counties.
Certification Fees
Certification fees are charged on top of the per-page copy cost. The clerk adds the seal, signature, and official stamp to each certified page. This extra step proves the copy is a true copy of the original court record. Certified copies carry more legal weight and cost more. The certification fee covers the time and materials for the seal process.
Search And Retrieval Fees
Search and retrieval fees cover staff time when a request needs more than a basic lookup. If the requester gives very few details, the clerk may charge extra to dig through records. The fee is set by Florida law and is the same across all Florida counties. Mail requesters should include extra funds to cover search fees.
Sealed And Restricted Records
Some dissolution records are sealed by court order. Sealed records are not open to the public. Requesters need a court order or a specific legal reason to view them. Restricted records follow similar rules but for different reasons. Most dissolution cases remain open to the public.
When Records Can Be Sealed
A judge can seal a dissolution record when public access would harm a child, victim, or party. Common reasons include domestic violence, sexual abuse, or sensitive financial data. The party asking for the seal must file a motion and show good cause. The judge then rules on the motion in open court. The clerk seals the file after the judge’s order.
How To Request Access To Sealed Records
To open a sealed record, a person must file a motion to unseal. The motion explains why the requester needs the record. A judge reviews the motion and may hold a hearing. If granted, the clerk unseals the record for the requester. The process can take several weeks. Hiring an attorney helps with the legal standard.
Expunged Records Explained
Expungement removes a record from public view as if it never existed. Florida law limits expungement mostly to criminal cases, not family cases. Most dissolution records remain on file but may be sealed. True expungement is rare for dissolution cases. The clerk can explain what options exist for a specific case.
Historical And Older Dissolution Records
Older dissolution records from Union County are still available but harder to find. Records from before the 1990s may be on microfilm or paper. The clerk office can help locate these older files for genealogy, legal, or personal reasons. Older files often take longer to retrieve.
Where To Locate Older Records
Older records live in three main places. The Union County clerk office keeps files for cases filed in this county. The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds older state-level records. Local genealogy groups sometimes have indexes for older cases in the county. Researchers should contact all three sources when searching for old files.
Genealogy Research Options
Genealogy researchers can use older dissolution records to build family trees. These records show marriage dates, spouse names, and sometimes children. Records from the 1950s and 1960s may list addresses and occupations. Researchers should contact the clerk office before visiting to confirm what files are still on site. The archives can help with older files that have been moved.
State Archives Access
The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds older vital records for the whole state. Records can be viewed in person or requested by mail. Fees and rules apply for copies and certified copies. Contact the archives before sending a request to confirm what they hold. The archives website lists hours and request forms.
Self-Help Resources For Union County
People without an attorney can use self-help resources to handle their own dissolution case. These resources explain forms, procedure, and filing rules. They do not replace an attorney for complex cases but help with simple or uncontested dissolutions. The Florida Courts website posts all official forms.
Florida Courts Self-Help Resource
The Florida Courts self-help page at flcourts.gov explains family court procedure in plain language. It covers filing, service, forms, and hearings. Self-help staff cannot give legal advice but can answer general questions about the process. This is a good starting point for self-represented people in Union County.
DIY Florida Document Tools
The DIY Florida interview tool at flcourts.gov helps self-represented people fill out court forms. The tool asks simple questions and fills in the right forms. This reduces errors and saves time. The tool works for petitions, financial affidavits, and parenting plans. The completed forms can be printed and filed at the Union County clerk office.
Family Law Forms
Florida family law forms are posted at flcourts.gov under the family law forms section. These forms cover every step of the dissolution process. Forms include the petition, summons, financial affidavit, and parenting plan. Always use the latest form version because the court rejects outdated forms. The clerk office also keeps printed forms at the front counter.
Florida Department Of Health Divorce Certificates
The Florida Department of Health issues statewide divorce certificates based on county reports. These certificates are shorter than the full county judgment but serve many legal needs. They work as proof of divorce for most agencies. The state office charges its own fee schedule.
Statewide Certificate Process
The county clerk sends a report to the state after each final judgment. The state then adds the record to the statewide index. People can request a certificate from the Florida Department of Health by mail, online, or in person. The certificate shows basic facts like names, filing date, and county of filing. The state office can be reached through floridahealth.gov.
Difference Between County And State Records
County records carry the full case file, including judgments, petitions, and dockets. State certificates show only the basic facts reported by the county. County records work for complex legal matters. State certificates work for most personal and government needs. Requesters should know which source matches their need before paying fees.
Request Forms And Fees
The Florida Department of Health has its own request forms and fee schedule. Fees are set by state law and can change each year. Mail requests take longer than online or in-person requests. Always send the correct fee to avoid delays. The state office website lists the latest forms and fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions people ask about Union County dissolution of marriage records. These answers are based on Florida law and current clerk office practice. Call the clerk office at 386-496-3711 for case-specific help before sending any request. Local rules and fees can change without notice. The clerk office at 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054 can answer specific questions about a single case.
How Do I Get A Certified Copy Of My Divorce Decree?
To get a certified copy of your divorce decree in Union County, contact the clerk of court at 386-496-3711 or visit the office at 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054. Bring a photo ID and full names of both spouses. The clerk will search the case index and pull the final judgment. Pay the copy fee plus the certification fee per page. The clerk can issue the certified copy the same day in most cases. Mail requests take longer because the clerk must locate, copy, certify, and mail the document back to you. Always include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your mail request.
Are Florida Divorce Records Available For Free?
Florida divorce records are not fully free. You can search the index for free on the clerk website and the Florida e-filing portal. You can view basic docket entries at no cost. Copies cost money, and certified copies cost more. The state office charges for each certificate. Some genealogy groups offer free indexes for older records. Always call the clerk office before visiting to confirm current fees. Budget for copy fees and certification fees when planning your request.
Can I Search Dissolution Records By Name?
Yes, you can search Union County dissolution records by name using the clerk website or in person at the clerk office. Online tools let you type a last name and see matching cases. In-person staff can search older files that are not online. Bring full names and a year range for the best results. The clerk cannot search by partial names without extra details. A small search fee may apply for older records that need manual lookup.
How Long Does The Clerk Keep Divorce Records?
Florida law requires the clerk to keep dissolution records for many years. Permanent records include the final judgment and case index. Older files are kept on microfilm or paper for decades. The Florida State Archives keeps older state-level records. Call the clerk office at 386-496-3711 to confirm if a specific older record still exists. Some very old files may have been transferred to state storage.
What Is The Difference Between Certificate And Decree?
A certificate is a short state-issued document that shows basic facts like names, date, and county. A decree is the full county-issued court judgment that ends the marriage. The certificate works for most agencies. The decree is needed for legal matters involving property, children, or support. Banks and courts usually want the decree. Ask your agency which one they need before requesting.
Can Sealed Records Be Opened Later?
Yes, sealed records can be opened later by court order. A person must file a motion to unseal and explain the reason. A judge reviews the motion and may hold a hearing. If granted, the clerk unseals the record. The process can take several weeks. Always hire an attorney for sealed record motions because the legal standard is strict. The clerk office cannot unseal a record without a judge’s order.
Where Do I Locate Old Records From The 1950s Or 1960s?
Old records from the 1950s and 1960s are kept at the Union County clerk office and the Florida State Archives. The clerk office has microfilm copies of many older files. The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds older state-level records. Call the clerk office at 386-496-3711 before visiting to confirm what is on file. Some older files may need staff help to locate. Plan extra time for old record searches.